WeatherWeather in advance - average temperature 14C with the odd sunny day, mostly heavy rain showers for the last few weeksForecast for tournament - partly sunny, misty and cloudy on all three days with winds of an Easterly variety averaging 15-25mph

CourseOpened - course started in 1840s by Alan Robertson (10 holes) and completed in 1872 by Tom MorrisCourse designer - Tom Morris, Alan Robertson, James BraidSpecial features - 'Classic Links', undulating fairways, thick rough and a winding Barry BurnChanges to the course - no recent changesOther featuresThere is a Barry Burn M.O.D. training area adjacent to the 6th and 7th holes (added hazard: beware regular firing in progress).The only Open venue to be played by the legendary Ben Hogan in 1953; there is a special plaque installed at the 6th hole and the hole is named after him – Hogan’s Alley.The Championship Course has hosted The Open Championship on seven occasions and also the Senior Open Championship in 2010.